BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- A second Birmingham police officer has been jailed in connection with a spate of arsons that struck west Birmingham in May.

The West Precinct officer is being held in the city jail on a 48-hour extension. His name hasn't been released pending formal charges. He was taken into custody early today during his 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift, said police spokesman Sgt. Johnny Williams Jr.

Jail officials declined to release any information about the officer's jail booking.

The officer is 35 years old, and joined the force in August 2009.

Already charged is Officer Curtis Jeffrey Thornton, 27. He is charged with second-degree arson in connection with a May 21 house fire in the 1700 block of 29th Street Ensley.

So, was there a team of serial arsonists at work in Birmingham using a badge as a (not very effective) shield? Where these guys moon lighting for someone looking to collect insurance money? Or (tin foil hat time) are these guys just doing what the mayor and city council have been wanting to do but couldn't, that is, get rid of abandoned structures so they could collect some of that sweet urban renewal cash?

Tin foil hattery aside you've got to give it to the BPD for the investigation and results.

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